In six years, I've knocked down a couple of genealogy brick walls. I've attended local and regional conferences both as an attendee and as a presenter and met many of my geneablogging buddies. They've visited me in Spokane. I've won blogging awards, been interviewed on radio, podcast, YouTube, and the local paper (twice). Genealogical publishing and subscription sites sent press releases for me to publish.

For several years, I blogged nearly every day and definitely several times a week. It was a mighty feat of creative and physical endurance, one that could not last. For one, it was taking its toll on my body. During that time, I gained 50 pounds, using my spare time to sit and blog instead of exercise, exacerbated by the pain of a bad shoulder, further entrenched by being sedentary following surgery. So I took time away to start improving my health and fitness. Secondly, it became difficult to blog about family history when my family, my marriage was falling apart; as emotional trauma challenged clarity of thought and creative expression.

For someone who has read daily since she was three--yes, three!--years old, not being able to focus long enough to finish the first chapter of a book signaled to me that I needed time off from both absorbing and creating words; that the swirling emotions and thoughts in my heart and head needed to settle before I could sift through them and bring them to life to share with others. They had to be sorted through to make room so I could take in what others were sharing as well. I knew I was healing when I could start
reading again. With the mostly positive changes of the past year, I find myself thinking again like a writer, a blogger.
Phrases will come to my mind, and I'll tuck them away for a future post.
Ideas are once more starting to blossom. Still, as in many areas of my life,
I'm taking things slowly.

As I wrote in my last post, my blogging goals this year include writing just one quality post a month. This post actually exceeds this month's goal. I do have some blogging gems in store for my readers. Next month, as we celebrate St. Valentine's Day and our thoughts turn to love and relationships, I'll be sharing my tongue-in-cheek insights on the similarities between online dating and online genealogy research! When Women's History Month comes around in March, "A Tale of Two Sisters"--which has been taking seed in my mind for several years--will at last be published. I won't make any more promises than these, although as I said, I've got ideas tucked away here and there.

Thank you once again, my blogging buddies and readers, for hanging in there and for giving me another year to celebrate. I hope to be around for many more!

Congratulations on six years, Miriam! From my perspective of two years blogging, six seems like a very high mountain to climb. I will look forward to whatever you choose to post. Best wishes for your health and happiness.

Miriam,Congratulations on six years of blogging and a big virtual hug for all that you have accomplished in the past year. You are an inspiration to me in so many ways. Can't wait to read your online dating lessons!

Happy 6th Blogiversary, Miriam! I think your blog was one of the first I started reading when I started blogging. I agree life such can be interesting, and we gotta take it as it comes. I'm looking forward to reading your monthly posts this year, and am wishing many more years of blogging success.

Happy 6 blogiversary and here's to 6 more. It is so good to have you back! Looking forward to whatever you pose whenever you post it. Take it slow n easy remember you're getting back in shape. Blogging shape that is.

Happy Blogoversary to you! I do remember when I first started (had to check the date -- it was December 5, 2005) after reading your blog and a couple of others, I had to do Google searches to find other blogs of interest. Greta is right, you are a role model!

Happy 6th Blogiversary! When I first started blogging three years ago, it was your blog that "hooked" me. I am so glad you are back and feeling renewed. I had noticed you faded into the background abit -- worried and watched. Your sharing blog post last month was such a relief and a joy. Thanks, and looking forward to a great 2012 for you and all.

Congratulations Miriam on 6 years of blogging! That is a long time! Even with a couple of tough years there, you are still here and we are all so grateful for that! So happy I have met you and I hope this year brings you many wonderful gifts, you so deserve them! Always looking forward to your posts! Cheers!

Happy Blogiversary, Miriam! I know when I started, your blog was among the first I came across! You are one strong lady . . . hope to see you at Jamboree this year. Looking forward to any and all posts you create.

Thank you, ladies! I'm not going to be able to go to Jamboree this year. My son is supposed to graduate from high school that weekend. Plus, I don't have the money. Someday, I'll attend another one. For now, I enjoy my happy memories of Jamboree 2010!